JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Bruins met with Vincent Lecavalier and agent Kent Hughes on Saturday. Lecavalier will reach the open market next Friday. The former Tampa Bay captain was bought out by the Lightning, making him available for every club.
Lecavalier became a bigger target for the Bruins after Nathan Horton declared his intention to test free agency.
“With what happened with Nathan, it became a little more ripe,” said GM Peter Chiarelli. “We had a good meeting.”
The Bruins would most likely have to convince Lecavalier to change positions. David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron are the top two centers. Lecavalier does not project to be a No. 3 center. Chiarelli said Lecavalier would be amenable to switching to wing.
* Chiarelli acknowledged being surprised by Horton’s decision. “Yeah. I was surprised,” Chiarelli said. “I respect someone’s decision to go to free agency. I think it was a real tough decision for him and his family. I can never say never. Maybe he’ll come back and want to revisit it. But the message I got is that he’s going to test free agency and wants a new beginning.”
* Chiarelli said there was a deluge of calls on Tyler Seguin’s availability yesterday. The inquiries halted once Horton’s decision was made.
* The Bruins are still pursuing a first-round pick. It is unlikely they will land one.
